The drop shot rig for zander is a formidable fishing technique that has revolutionised the way this taciturn fish is caught. Unlike other techniques, the drop shot rig has the advantage of present your lure in a more natural and precise way. What's more, you'll have the possibility of insisting on a small perimeter without ever having to run it again and again. The latter is doing particularly well by winter in deep water. In this article, we'll look at the subtleties of this tried and tested method for pike-perch. season after season.
Our article in brief:
The drop shot rig is a formidable fishing technique for stalking zander in deep water. Here are the key points:
- A unique presentation A flexible lure fixed in a bracket above a pear-shaped sinker.
- Fine animation Move your lure by alternating light jerks and pauses.
- Adapted equipment : Use a rod (preferably a spinning rod) that is fairly fast and very sensitive as well as a braid to be able to detect even the most subtle touches.
- Drop shot rigs are great in cold weather for fishing deep, targeted areas.
- A versatile technique: applicable from the shore or by boat on various structures
The particularities of drop shot mounting
The drop shot rig is in itself a very basic rig. It consists of a elongated or round lead placed on the bottom. Approximately 1 metre from the latter, a single hook, point upwardsusing a node palomar .
This assembly makes it possible to present your lure off the bottomto static, horizontal and soaring. In this way, you can apply a more discreet and natural lure swimming. One of the major advantages of the drop shot rig for pike-perch is that the lure is subject only to its own weight. This gives the lure unrivalled freedom of movement and a natural appearance that will make even the most educated pike bait wary.
To create an effective drop shot for pike-perch, here are the key elements to consider:
- Use Soft lures from 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm)
- Choose a Texas hook or a specific drop shot eye hook
- Place the lure 20 to 50 cm above the lead
- Choose pear-shaped or cylindrical lead weights from 7 to 25g depending on the conditions
This configuration allows you to fish with precision in tight, crowded spots. As you know, it's in these areas that pike-perch like to hide and hunt. The drop shot rig allows you to go where other rigs won't and to push harder than others to flush out the most wary pike-perch.
How do you fish with a drop shot rig?
Unlike other fishing techniques, the drop shot is a finesse fishery. It therefore requires a specific approach. The key to successful drop shot fishing lies in alternating between small animations to move your lure and pauses to let it hover. This method imitates perfectly the behaviour of a small, static or even wounded fish, very often triggering the curiosity and then the predatory instinct of the pike-perch.
Here is a summary table of the different activities to adopt:
| Type of drop shot animation for pike-perch | Description | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|
| Small tremors | Short, rapid tip movements | Highly effective in cold water |
| Long breaks | Total immobility of the lure | Triggers attacks from wary pike-perch |
| Slow readings | Gradual rise of the lure | Effective for prospecting the water column |
It is essential to note that patience is essential with this technique. Slow animations are often the most effective in triggering attacks on difficult pike-perch. We've found that this meticulous approach allows you to effectively prospect the structures and obstacles where the most beautiful specimens are hiding.
Which equipment is best?
To get the most out of drop shot rigs for pike-perch, it's important to use the right equipment. A sensitive set will be the key to detecting the often subtle bites of pike-perch. Here are our recommendations for the best equipment:
- Cane : Choose a fast and sensitive MH spinning rod from 2.10 to 2.40 m to feel the slightest vibrations transmitted by the lure and the sinker.
- Line horns : Use a thin braid to keep your line as sensitive as possible. We recommend a braid of 0.08 to 0.12 mm diameter to combine sensitivity and strength.
- Reel Choose a 2500 to 3000 spinning model
- Fluorocarbon Use a fluorocarbon leader for greater discretion.
- Lead : While lead is often preferred because it is accessible and inexpensive, tungsten gives your line greater resonance.
What are the best conditions for drop-shot pike-perch fishing?
Drop shot editing shines particularly brightly in certain specific contexts. This technique proves formidable in deep waters and cold weatherThis is particularly true in winter when pike-perch are not very mobile. It was in these conditions that we made some of our best catches, with pike-perch sometimes exceeding 80 cm.
Situations where the drop shot excels :
- Vertical fishing from a boat on deep pits
- Focusing on targeted submerged structures (trees, rocks)
- Fishing from the shore on steep banks
- By exploring congested areas inaccessible to other techniques
Finally, note that drop shot rigs are not limited to soft lures. Some anglers, as we observed at the water's edge, use the drop-vif. This variant consists of replacing the flexible lure with a live or a wormThis makes them a particularly attractive natural alternative for even the most wary pikeperch.
In short, the drop shot rig for zander is an essential technique for any angler wishing to target this predator with precision and efficiency. Its versatility means it can be adapted to a variety of conditions, whether from shore or from a boat, especially from autumn to winter when the water cools and the fish are less active.
